Dutch fans watch a 2010 World Cup match at The Greatest Bar.
Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki/Metro file photo
With World Cup fever about to hit the Hub, The Greatest Bar is making sure to have plenty of European lager on hand for the next few weeks.
“We had the Dutch group here [for the last World Cup] and they come in really strong, all amped up and ready to go. This year we ordered a lot more Heineken because they were all drinking Heineken. We ordered the most Heineken you could ever order,” said Kayla Harrity, the events manager at The Greatest Bar.
With the World Cup – the world’s most popular sporting tournament – getting underway in Brazil Thursday, area bars and restaurants are preparing for the influx of soccer fans with food specials, watch parties and promises of showing every game. (See below for a list of some local places to watch and specials being offered).
Harrity said the bar, which normally opens at 4 p.m., will open hours early to show the games, which they expect to attract hundreds of people. She said the bar hosts Netherlands and England fans and will be serving authentic Dutch food and English favorite curry and chips.
“Most of these people are from England or originally from Holland so we try to make it their home,” she said.
During the last World Cup, The Banshee in Dorchester was packed two to three hours before and after each USA match and owner Ray Butler expects more of the same.
“We’re getting e-mails on a daily basis asking if we’re showing such and such a game,” said Butler, adding that the bar will show every game. “For us it’s a great month. It’s fantastic.”
Besides being good for business, the World Cup is just a good time, said Butler.
“I’m in love with football. I’m in love with the World Cup. I’m like a child at Christmas,” he said. “For me it’s not coming to work at all. For me the only way it gets better is being there.”
Where to watch the World Cup
- Ned Devine’s in Faneuil Hall will be showing all games and is hosting a viewing party on Monday with members of the Boston Breakers women’s soccer team.
- The Haven in Jamaica Plain will show all games and during halftime patrons can get “a pie and a pint” for $10.
- Members of the New England Revolution will attend a watch party at the House of Blues for the June 22 USA vs. Portugal match. The party is free, but is expected to reach capacity.
- All games will be shown with sound on at the Harp, the Green Briar and M. J. O’Connors at the Park Plaza.
- Germany fans can head to the Goethe-Institut in the Back Bay where every Germany match will be shown while they’re in the tournament. Online reservations are required and tickets are about $12 for those 18 years and older.
- Phoenix Landing in Cambridge is showing every game and even has custom World Cup T-shirts for $15.
- Lir on Boylston Street is holding three Italy fan viewing parties hosted by PUMA. Space is limited and guests will get in on a first-come, first-served basis.
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
